Young at Heart’s mission is to provide senior dogs and cats with a safe haven to ensure they live with comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years. This includes veterinary care, food, medicine, shelter, and love. Founded in 2005, Young at Heart is Chicagoland’s oldest nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless senior dogs and cats. Over 50 senior dogs and cats enjoy a cage-free environment at our adoption center and
sanctuary in Woodstock, IL. Our nonprofit receives no government funding, and instead is supported solely by the generosity of pet lovers and with fundraisers like the Silver Paws Gala – our biggest event of the year.

The 2023 Silver Paws Gala is attended by 300 guests in person, and thousands of supporters online for the silent auction. This is our flagship event, raising upwards of $200,000 to help senior pets and the people who love them in the Chicagoland area. The night includes a silent auction, live auction, passed appetizers, dinner, open bar, and live music as we raise much-needed funds to give homeless senior pets a second chance.